TALLAHASSEE, Fla.
The Florida House of Representatives passed separate bills on Friday, March 10 that aim to reduce funding for Visit Florida (HB 9) and completely cut funding for Enterprise Florida (HB 7005).
The bills passed through the Florida House in an 80-35 vote and the measure to reduce funding for Visit Florida has been described by Rep. Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast as a matter of accountability. Gov. Rick Scott and representatives from both parties have said passage of the bills will endanger the economy.
According to the Naples Daily News the Florida House wants to cut off taxpayer money to more than 20 other business incentive programs throughout the state as spelled out in HB 9 and HB 7005.
Gov. Rick Scott released the following statement on the passage of HB 9 and HB 7005.
"Many politicians who voted for these bills say they are for jobs and tourism,” Gov. Scott said. “But, I want to be very clear – a vote for these bills was a vote to kill tourism and jobs in Florida.”
The Visit Florida and Enterprise Florida bills will now head to the Senate where they will await committee assignment by Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart. It is expected that HB 9 and HB 7005 will have a harder time making it through the Senate, but nothing is for certain at this point in time.
More information on Friday’s House vote is available via the Naples Daily News website.
